DIVERT

v. 1 switch, rechannel, redirect; change, alter, deflect Funds for the new civic centre have been diverted to housing We must divert the course of the river. 2 turn away, turn aside, avert, re-route, deflect; change course, swerve (off or away), shift, sidetrack, depart, deviate Cars were diverted to avoid flooded areas We diverted from our route because of the roadworks. 3 entertain, amuse, distract, interest, beguile, engage, occupy, absorb We found the stand-up comedian mildly diverting but not really funny